Every August, Hawaii celebrates the Okinawan Festival, a vibrant two-day event that honors the pride and heritage of the Uchinānchu—people of Okinawan descent.
Migration from Okinawa to Hawaii began about 125 years ago, and today, nearly 30% of Japanese Americans in Hawaii trace their ancestry to Okinawa. Through music, dance, and food, the festival celebrates unity, resilience, and cultural pride.

Yet behind this joyful gathering lies a story of struggle and compassion that few remember.
During World War II, about 4,000 Okinawans captured in the Battle of Okinawa were forcibly transported to the Honouliuli Internment Camp on Oahu.
Their voyage across the Pacific was harsh beyond imagination—crammed into dark, sweltering holds with little food or fresh air. The endless sea offered no comfort; some lost hope entirely during the long journey. When they finally arrived, the camp—hidden in a deep valley and known as “Hell Valley”—awaited them with heat, humidity, and despair.

Amid this suffering, kindness came from Okinawan-descended Japanese Americans living near the camp—neighbors who quietly extended warmth and food to those imprisoned beyond the barbed wire.

Risking punishment, they secretly brought food and words of comfort to the prisoners. They, too, lived modestly, yet could not turn away when they heard the familiar sounds of the Okinawan language.
For the captives, these gestures became a lifeline—a faint but vital reminder that they were not forgotten. Many later recalled that those small acts of compassion gave them the strength to survive.
Today, the laughter and rhythm of the Okinawan Festival carry echoes of that unseen bond.
The story of Okinawa and Hawaii reminds us that even across oceans and generations, shared roots have the power to sustain hope and humanity.
If you wish to rediscover your Japanese roots, we can help trace your family’s story and bring it to life.

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Image by aussieactive from ODAN